Run Your Tail Off Virtual Race

If you know me, or read my blog long enough, you know I have an adorable black lab mix that also serves as my running partner.  She was a rescue from Little Rock Arkansas that I adopted after a woman from Fairfield paid all of her transport and adoption fees just to abandon after neglect:  flea  and worm infested, untrained and un-housebroken. 

While New England has their fair share of full shelters, it seems to be that southerners do not spay and neuter like we do up here in New England, causing a lot of unwanted and innocent dogs.  Many organizations and rescues transport some of the dogs from the South to Connecticut where they have a higher chance of being adopted.  Some shelters down south have kill rates as high as 98%.  Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control.  It's not that these dogs are aggressive, or old, its just that there are more dogs and cats than there are cages, people, and money to care for them.  

(Vanessa and her rescue pooch/running buddy)

It costs a ton of money to feed and treat these animals that are often malnourished, abused, neglected, have various medical conditions, need to be spayed/neutered, and to be transported to their forever home or the nearest adoption event.  

  

(Courtney and I with our Rescues- a lab mix and pure bred boxer- hiking in Acadia, Maine) 

That's why organizations like Running For Rescues recruits runners to fund raise for them.  The money raised by runners goes to cover the costs of shelter dogs and cats all over the area.   Some of the expenses are adoption fees, transport fees, vetting: shots, vaccinations, spay/neuter, immediate health concerns, pregnant mommas, nail trimming, food, bed, toys, treats, etc.  You get it.... 

If you already purchased your dog at your local puppy mill or overpriced breeder, then I am sorry you don't get to experience the joy and happiness I feel every single day for saving a life (or two).  But you can still help! 

If you love to run, like virtual races, and want to help a great cause, then sign up for the Run Your Tail Off Virtual race! It is only $15 and includes an awesome finisher medal.

The money for the race is going to Running for Rescues

This virtual run will host three options for runners or walkers interested:

5k - 3.1 Miles

10k - 6.2 Miles

Half Marathon - 13.1 Miles

click here to sign up!

Distances do not need to be done all at once. Walk, Run, Skip, Hop, Grapevine, however you

 can, JUST GET OUT THERE!   We know you can do it, and we KNOW you can spare $15

 (there is a couple dollar transaction fee for Active.com) For LESS than $20 you will get a 

customized medal, but even better you'll be helping save a life.

(Runner Jill with her adopted Puerto Rican pup) 

Make the race even more fun by bringing your pooch along!  This is the best part about a virtual race- no rules, just fun!.  Check out my Post about running with dogs Here to find out which dogs make the best running buds and for other tips and advice.  

Head to Petfinder.com to find your newest running bud/companion.